Alert Status

An area military unit is put on alert status as tensions continue to mount with Iraq. With the impending situation overseas, soldiers across the country are waiting to hear their duty status. Today a big announcement was made in the four states. The 203rd Engineer Batillion, which is a national guard unit, based in Carthage and Joplin, has been put on alert status for operation enduring freedom. Alert status means that the batallion could be called to active military duty to join other units already serving overseas. Officials say when a unit is put on alert status, the group could be called to active duty within a 30-day period. Military officials also say that units like the 203rd Engineer Batillion are involved in training to be prepared for duty, and training may intensify even more during the 30-day period after alert status has been identified. Again, the 203rd Engineer Batallion National Guard unit based in Carthage and Joplin has been put on alert status to be prepared just in case they are called into active duty. Reported By: Ryan Loyd